Children in Australia - Multicultural Parent Easy Guide (English)

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Children in Australia - Multicultural Parent Easy Guide (English) (PDF 353.6 KB)

Children coming to Australia have a lot to get used to - a new home, school, language, culture and people. Parents can help children adapt to the changes and settle into their new life.

What parents can do

Parents play an important role in guiding and supporting children. They can help them:

feel loved and safe
go to school, learn and make friends
discover places and activities they enjoy
be involved in the community
talk about any worries or problems
get help if they need it.

Some children have experienced hardship or violence, or lost people or places they love. They can feel grief and loss just as adults do, even if they can't tell you about it. The good news is that children of all ages usually adapt, learn and do well in Australia.

Feeling loved and safe helps children adapt to their new life.

Feeling safe

When children feel safe it is easier for them to cope with change.

Some things that might help are to:

keep children's lives as calm as you can
continue with things they know and enjoy, such as food, stories, songs
have daily routines such as the same mealtimes, bedtimes
stay in touch with loved ones overseas, if you can
explore the local community with your children so they get to know it
protect young children from knowing too much about adult problems.

Making friends and being involved in the community can help children feel accepted and that they belong.

Going to school

Going to school is a big part of getting used to Australian life.

Children can:

go to playgroups, child care and preschools from a young age
learn English
start or continue their education
make friends
be involved in sports or other activities they enjoy such as music, art, dance. They may like to join a group
get help if they have a disability or other concern.

Schools are great places for parents to meet other families and share ideas. Parents are welcome to talk with teachers, even if there is no problem.

Problems with feelings

If children are upset or 'misbehaving' try to understand what's causing it.

You could:

listen patiently
show you really understand
help children name their feelings - are they sad, worried, angry?
ask children what would help them. This builds their confidence and skills
get any help they need.

If children seem upset, worried or angry, ask if they are OK.

Stress and trauma

Children of all ages can be affected by events that made them feel unsafe, scared, worried, angry or helpless. It may be war, violence, hardship, losing loved ones or having many big changes in their life.

Signs of stress in children can be:

wetting the bed
often feeling upset, worried or sick, having headaches or stomach aches
becoming very quiet - not wanting to see family or friends
becoming angry or fighting a lot
taking more risks. Older children might use alcohol or drugs.

There may be other reasons for these, so try to find out why they are happening.

Children need to experience over and over again:

feeling loved and safe
being comforted and soothed
knowing others understand how they feel.

Getting help

If you are worried about your child, you could talk with doctors, teachers or other services. Multicultural services can often help you find what you need.

It can help children to have other trusted adults to talk to.